How is it February ALREADY???
I don't know if it's the election aftermath or what, but I just feel like this year has gotten off to such a rocky start and every single day, something happens that makes me sad or angry and it's overwhelming. I have to try to realize that there are only so many things I can control. I need to go about my life and just do the best I can.
Anyway, at the beginning of the month, I made a last minute trip to the States to see my family. My grandmother was really sick and we weren't really sure what was going to happen. Luckily, she is much better for now but I decided to spend a month here to spend some quality time with my family. Usually, when I come back home, I only spend about a week or so here so it has been great to really relax and see everyone I want to see. The only downside has been that I really, really, REALLY miss my husband and my dog. I think a month away from them is a little too long. I have a week left here in the States and as much fun as I have had with my family, I am really looking forward to seeing my husband again.
I have also been severely jet lagged and that has affected my blog and my reading. I had some posts scheduled, but I haven't been responding to comments and I haven't posted this week because I am behind in my reading and my reviews. You know what? I am okay with that. Sleep and family time have been coming first and I have also tried to catch up on my reading when I can. I will be catching up with the blog soon, but for right now, I am cutting myself some slack.
I managed to read 21 books this month. During the last few weeks, my reading has slowed down and I haven't been loving the books I have read. Either that or I just haven't been in the mood for it. But I got a lot of reading done regardless, so that makes me happy.
Here were a couple of my favorite reads:
How was your January? What was your favorite book of the month? Do you feel like you have aged ten years in the last month or is that just me?
I'm with you on the aging 10 years in a month... This year is definitely off to a rocky start, and I think it's everyone.
ReplyDeleteHappy February!
Yeah this has been a crazy start to the year already. I can imagine I would miss my hubby after a month too but glad you are getting quality family time. Have a great February!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 21 reads this year. That's great. I don't think I've ever read 20 in a month. I did read The Radius of Us in January too and enjoyed it. I LOVED The Kiss of Deception and I still need to finish the last book in the series. Hope you have a great week!
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Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know
Wow, 21 reads! That is pretty amazing. I read 16 books, and my favorite was The Orphan's Tale. But it was a hard choice, as I read so many that I loved in January.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your reading, and here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
A month would be a loooong time, although I know the wonderful feeling of visiting loved ones at home when you're living abroad. The election aftermath has definitely affected both my reading and blogging--it feels too trivial to focus on. Also, I seem to need a ridiculous amount of sleep right now, which is a combination of avoidance, seasonal affective nonsense, and bad habits.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of the books you mention, although the mixed reactions to The Girl From Everywhere are moving it further down my to-read list. I often share your opinions about books, and there are literally hundreds of other books I want to read, so...
Wow 21 books- that's great! And I think the election and aftermath have been pretty tough on people- all the uncertainty.
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree with you on the election. I force myself to watch the news and keep up because, as a US citizen, I feel like I should know what's happening in my country. I have to say though, it's been kind of terrible.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of reading, though, I started out the year strong so I'm happy with myself! No where near 21 books though! I'd call that a successful month!
Laura @BlueEyeBooks
I think that first little duo of pics about sums it up. We all seem to be feeling that way. I'm glad that you were able to spend some time with family, though--even if you are eager to return home!
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Time with your family in the states sounds wonderful and I think your blogging taking a hit as a result is a price worth paying.
ReplyDeleteJanuary was a rough one for me too. It's one of the coldest months, we got tons of snow, and my escape (social media) was bombarded with political crap. *sigh* It wasn't very good reading-wise either. Here's hoping that February will be better!
ReplyDelete21 books? wow that's amazing
ReplyDeleteOkay that photo describes my life perfectly right now. :O
ReplyDeleteYup, have to agree January was a bit emotionally devastating. But I kept on top of all my blogging/reading goals for the month, so I'm happy about that, haha.
ReplyDeleteYes on sleep (I'm trying to get more myself) and family time. My daughter will graduate this spring from high school and wants to go quite far away for school. Next year will bring different times for our family so I want to enjoy now. My reading time has also diminshed and I struggle to stay focused.
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